Amidst the crowded airport, two days before Christmas, stood two exasperated wizards. Their two companions had passed exasperation and were simply pissed off to all hell. The common people, on the other hand, had no clue that they were any different from themselves. To anyone passing by, these four men were just trying to get on their plane for a vacation. Make that four VERY impatient men.

“Harry, Moony, tell me again WHY we couldn’t just floo to our hotel?” Sirius asked dejectedly.

Harry, in frustration, pushed his dishevelled hair out of his face. “Sirius, you know very well that in most Muggle hotels the fireplaces are not connected to the floo system.”

“Then why can’t we just apparate?!”

Severus glared at Sirius. “As much as I agree with you that this ‘airplane’ business is unnecessary, you forget that we are going to Jamaica and that is not part of the British Isles. Other nations’ Ministries have put up an anti-apparation spell up so that people that aren’t from their countries cannot apparate into theirs. I know for a fact it’s for security measures, but there are times when it’s a nuisance.”

Sirius returned Severus a dirty look of his own. “Shut up, you greasy git. I didn’t ask for your opinion here!”

Remus sighed very loudly. “Let’s go now. We have to go to the baggage department and have them check our bags.”

The other two wizards grumbled and grabbed their bags. Harry and Remus looked at each other and just rolled their eyes. They walked through the crowded airport with their luggage and soon reach their destination. The clerks at the counter told them to write their names on the tag and so they did. After that, the clerks put the tags on the bag and then put them through the machines to scan them. Satisfied that they didn’t find any illegal materials, they told them that everything was all right. Having all the big ones out of the way, now each only had a regular-sized backpacks with them.

“Well now that we got our luggage checked in, we just have to wait two hours for our flight. Everyone got their tickets right?” Remus asked with forced cheerfulness.

“Two bloody hours?! Why does it take that long? Are Muggles always this slow?” Sirius exclaimed.

“Muggles have ALWAYS been slow, Black. Where have you been all this time?” Severus sullenly interjected.

“Again, have I asked you, slimy, good for nothing, prick?”

“You two, stuff it.” The Boy-Who-Lived gave them a glare that would match Lord Voldemort’s. He grabbed the Potions Master’s hand and dragged him over to the nearest restaurant to relax, or at least attempted to. Remus did the same to Sirius. They soon reached McDonald’s.

“So what do you want to order?” Remus asked his mate. “Harry and I can vouch that the Big Mac is the best to get here.”

“Then get me that,” Sirius grumbled.

“Come on. Be happy. We are going on a vacation, Padfoot.”

“Not the way I want too.”

Remus rolled his eyes again and just went to the counter and ordered his and Sirius’ foods. Harry turned to his lover. “So a Big Mac?”

” . . . ” Severus just glared.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Harry said, not the least perturbed. Harry went up to the counter and ordered like Remus did. Soon, Remus and Harry came to the table where the two grouchy wizards were. The atmosphere between the four of them was so tense that the other customers felt that something was not right. After they finished their food, Harry got up and dumped their garbage out. He came back and stretched his leg. He turned to them and looked at Severus with a hopeful expression.

“Care to walk around with me? I feel too cooped up and after we get on the airplane we’ll be stuck in there for ten hours at least.”

Sirius gave Harry a stricken look. “T-t-ten hours?” He looked pleadingly at Moony. “Please tell me I did not hear that.”

“Sorry, Paddy. You did. The flight is ten hours long.” Remus inwardly groaned, expecting another rant coming up.

“What am I supposed to do for ten hours on the fairplane?”

“Airplane,” Severus said dryly. “I know you weren’t raised by Muggles, but at least get the names right so you don’t sound like a dunderhead.”

Sirius turned and glowered at the one person he still truly couldn’t tolerate. “Bloody hell! Why won’t you just bugger off and just don’t do it with my godson!”

There was a dangerous glint in Severus’ eyes as his hand went for his wand that was in the inner pocket of his leather jacket. Harry recognised the look and grabbed his lover before Severus could hex Sirius. Remus, knowing that those two needed some time away from each other, decided to drag Sirius and go to some other part of the airport.

“I’ll meet you at our waiting area in about a hour. Got that, Harry?” Remus hastily grabbed Sirius up to his feet and started to lead him away.

“Yeah, I got you, Remus,” Harry turned to the snarky Potion Master and glared at him. “We are going to have a little talk, Sev.”

“About what? The fact that your godfather got absolutely no brain at all?” Severus sulkily walked past Harry. The younger man sighed and ran to catch up with the taller man. Harry smirked.

“You know, you’re cute when you sulk.” Harry chuckled lightly as he saw the back stiffened up. Severus turned slowly to face Harry. “Insolent brat.”

“I know, but you still love me.” Harry sighed. “Sevvy, I’m sorry for choosing this way to travel, but . . . I thought we’d all enjoy it. Remus and I thought it ‘d be romantic for us to snuggle through the long plane ride. To appreciate each other’s company or in yours and Sirius’ case, not appreciate each other companies, through the Muggle ways.”

Severus looked intently at his young lover through his hair. Through the curtain of hair, Harry couldn’t see the mesmerising, coal-black eyes. However, if he could have, he would have seen many emotions conflicting each other. Love, annoyance, frustration, and tenderness were a few of the emotions that were flying through the Potions Master’s eyes. Severus straightened up and gave Harry a cold look. “Gryffindors, once one, always one. Are all of you that much of a hopeless romantic?”

Harry brightened up. Severus couldn’t help but think how predictable the young man tended to be. “You are acting sarcastic. That’s a good sign.” He reached and grabbed the Slytherin’s hand. “Let’s go for that walk now.”

Severus growled slightly, and grabbed the other man by the waist. He brought the lithe body closer to his and kissed him fervently. A few moments later, he let go. “Now we can go for a walk. And do not call me ‘Sevvy’.” Harry nodded and followed with a dreamy look.

Remus continued to drag the ex-convicted murderer through the crowds. Upon reaching the men’s toilets, he shoved Sirius into an empty stall, lock the door, both magically and manually, and then cast a silencing charm around them. He then turn around and glared at him. Sirius couldn’t help but think that the glare looked a whole lot like Snape’s.

Tentatively, he reached over and touches Mooy’s cheek. “Did anyone tell you that you are starting rival the greasy git when it comes to giving angry looks?”

“I do not!” Remus indignantly cried out. “Speaking of that ‘greasy git’, who not only is my colleague, but also is your godson’s lover, you need to calm down in front of him! Especially when we are in a crowded place that is full of Muggles.” He wanted to say that Sirius acted in a juvenile manner, but then closed his mouth in time. He decided that if he said that, then he’d be calling himself a hypocrite, for that’s one of the traits that he has come to love the other man.

Sirius slouched a bit and pouted. “I’m sorry, Remus. But . . .  he’s so infuriating! But not only that, this airpane travelling method is weird!

“Airplane, not ‘airpane’,” Remus corrected Sirius. “And I’m sure Harry is explaining the same thing to Severus right now, but really, he and I chose this method because we thought it’d be a romantic way to travel. Apparently we were both wrong and it’s a mistake on both of us.”

Sirius solemnly stared at his lover. “You really think it’s romantic? Honestly, Moony, I see nothing romantic about being on that airflane for ten hours.”

Remus groaned and rubbed his face in his hands. “I give up. You will never call it by the right name. Truly though, think about it. Talking and looking out the window, provided we get the window seats, holding hands, and just being next to each other for the longest time. Harry and I really didn’t mean to choose it as an inconvenience. ”

Sirius smirked. “There are toilets on there, right? Please tell me there is.”

“Yes, there are. Why?” Remus gave him a calculating look, as Sirius just smiled wider. “Paddy, I do not like that scheming look on your face.”

Sirius grabbed Remus by the arse and brought him closer to him. He leaned over and Remus felt the warmth of Sirius’ breath on his neck. “Me? Scheming? Never. Although I was thinking about how it would be more romantic if we shagged 10,000 metres up from the ground.”

Unintentionally, Remus let out a soft growl and quickly had Sirius pinned against the stall’s door. All his train of thoughts were gone as Remus began ravishing his mouth. He wasn’t about to complain as he returned the action.

An hour later, the two couples met up with each other at the waiting area. Sirius glared at Severus, and Severus didn’t even acknowledge the other man. Harry and Remus just gave each other knowing smiles and sat down. The two adversaries sat and just talked with their respective partners. When their flight was announced, they stood up. After confirming that each of them has their tickets, they got on the plane.

They had a little trouble finding their seats, but then a flight attendance lent them a hand. After getting settled in their seats, Sirius looked around.

“Remy, what is that big flat thing up there?” Sirius pointed toward the movie screen.

“It’s the movie screen, Sirius. It’s where you can watch the movie during the flight. However, you have to wear these earphones. That’s where the sounds come out. Does that make sense?” Remus turned to the man next to him. Instead of seeing a looking of understanding, he got a very cute looking Sirius, all perplexed. He smiled gently. “Don’t worry about it. You will see what I mean later. Hopefully the movie will be a good on . . . it says that Titanic is being played.”

On the other side of Remus, Severus gave a surprised look. “Isn’t that the ship that sank in the Atlantic?”

Remus nodded. “But do not ask why they made it into a movie. Muggles tend to think of some weird stuff.”

Everyone buckled their seatbelts as the plane started. Since Remus and Harry forgot to tell the other two about the ear pressure, Severus grimaced in pain and Sirius let out a loud profanity. Remus gave Sirius an apologetic look, and gave him some gum. “Here. Chew this and the pain will lessen a bit.” Sirius takes it and shoves it in his mouth and start chewing severely. Remus handed one to Severus, but he declined.

“This is nothing like the Cruciatus. I can live.” Harry gripped the Slytherin’s hand comfortingly.

Thankfully the entire trip went well. Well the loud noise from the toilet scared Sirius out of his wit, but he brushed it off, after asking them why it was necessary to make the flushing noise so loud. The others shook their heads and Remus tried to explain, but after realising that he couldn’t explain why, he just told Sirius to forget it.

They ate the dinner that was provided, and they all agreed that the food at Hogwarts was much better. When the movie came on, no one was interested in it. In fact Sirius and Remus decided to take this time now to get a quick shag in the bathroom, with all the precautions set up as well. Harry and Severus stared at each other. “Are you sure you want to be related to them, Harry?” Harry nodded very slowly, pretending to look uncertain. Then he burst out laughing. Severus just gave a smirk.

When the two completely, satiated wizards came back, Harry and his lover were both sleeping peacefully, with Harry’s head on Severus’ shoulder. Remus felt the sudden urge to coo, but didn’t. He told Sirius, and he got a weird look. He pretended to be offended and sat down in a huff. “Aw, Moony.” Sirius sat down and wrapped his arms around the slender man. “You know I didn’t mean that.” Remus smirked and brushed his lips gently across his. “I know. I’m sleepy now.”

Sirius yawned. “Same here. I guess a nap would be good.” Both of them fell asleep quickly.

The next time any of them woke up was when the announcement of nearing arrival was blaring across the plane. Severus looked disgruntled from being woken up rudely, in his opinions. Harry yawned and rubbed his eyes under his glasses. “We’re almost there.”

“I certainly hope so,” muttered Severus.

The landing hurt Sirius, as much as the takeoff did. Remus gave him another stick of gum and Sirius chewed it furiously. It was painful, but he agreed with Snape, that nothing was more painful than the Cruciatus. For once he thought of something reasonable. They got off the plane and gratefully stretched their legs. They waited till they got their luggages and then went to catch the Banana Bus, which was equivalent to the Knight Bus. Sirius and Severus both sighed. “Now this is the definite way of travelling.” Sirius snuggled into the seat.

They almost reached the resort, till Harry broke the silence. “So do you think it was a mistake travelling by the airplane?”

“Naw. It wasn’t all that bad. Just the part that it takes forever to get here.” Sirius brought Remus close to him. “However, you guys didn’t do it maliciously, so I don’t mind much.”

“I agree with Black, once again.” Severus planted a kiss on Harry’s out of control hair. “However, you should learn from your mistakes, and this is one of them.”

The Banana Bus continued to ride and at the same time the sun was setting, and everything was peaceful amongst the four again.

“Ten points from Gryffindor!” Severus barked out as one of the cauldrons from the Gryffindor’s side of the room spilled over. The Slytherins sniggered and pointed at the mess, but they quieted down as their Head of House gave them a look.

Severus stalked up the third-year responsible, who was a quivering mess right now, and said in a low voice, “You will serve three days detention with Mr. Filch, understood?”

Without saying a word, the poor student nodded quickly, and then nearly fainted with relief as Severus walked away.

At that moment, class ended, and Severus with a simple flick of his wand, had the mess cleaned up in seconds. As everyone, Gryffindors and Slytherins, all dashed out of the classroom, Severus sat in his chair at his desk and rubbed the bridge of his forehead. He was in a foul mood, and the whole school knew it.

Severus growled and slammed a fist on the desk. He was furious with his lover, Harry Potter. While Severus knew Harry was busy with his job, and while he did respect the fact that Harry was a diligent, respectful worker, he did not appreciate being neglected and ignored over these past few weeks. And with Christmas coming around, he did not know how he could handle an absent lover in what was supposedly the happiest time of the year.

Three years ago. That was when Harry had first confessed his love to Severus. Knowing all the consequences facing him, Severus had tried to shun, discourage, and push Harry away. Instead, somehow, even when he did not want to, he had found himself coaxed into this relationship. Harry had him wrapped around his fingers. Up to this day, Severus had no clue on how a cunning, manipulative Slytherin like him could be walked all over by a Gryffindor.

“Yes, a Gryffindor with some Slytherin tendencies,” he muttered to himself, lacing his fingers in front of his face as he leaned into them. “That boy will be the death of me one day.”

Severus’ sneaky mind rushed into a frenzied state as he came up with an idea. An idea to pay Harry back. A slow, smug smile came to his face. Had anyone been in the room at the moment and had seen it, they would have been very frightened.

It was Christmas Eve, and Harry felt exhausted as he walked into Severus’ quarters. He finally had some time off from work, and the first thing he wanted to do was to go find Severus.

Harry stopped in mid-walk and stared at the object sitting smack in the middle of the room.

The object resembled a tent. A huge tent. It was almost as tall as him. He peeked into the opening, and said, “Severus? Are you in there?” He received no answer. Curiously, he stuck his head in further. The inside was more spacious than it had indicated from the outside. He ducked his head down as he stepped in.

Inside, he saw a table with two chairs opposite from each other. On the table were rose petals. Amongst the petals, there were plates of food filled with all of his favourites. He sensed a warming charm placed on the food. The wonderful smell of the meal went up his nose, and he could feel his stomach growling in hunger and his mouth salivating.

He walked a few steps and saw that beyond the table was an area decorated, in Slytherin green and silver, of course, with huge pillows and smaller throw pillows around the area. Harry coughed as he realised just what that could be used for.

“What is going on? And where in Godric is Severus?” Harry asked himself. He pondered that question as he waited. He glanced at his watch, a gift from Hermione two years ago, and saw the date.

He then realised that it was Christmas Eve.

“Fuck!” He looked at the decorated area, and guilt began to gnaw at him. He had neglected Severus these past few weeks, thanks to his job. Even though Harry had basically put his job before his lover and completely forgot about Christmas coming up, Severus still did all of this for him.

He heard Severus’ voice behind him. “Do you like what you see?”

Harry whipped around, feeling so guilt-stricken. “I . . . I’m sorry. I completely forgot. I’ve been so busy. This is really great, but I don’t deserve this! Why did you do this?” He cried out the last sentence, and then Severus stopped Harry’s babbling by putting a finger on the lips.

Severus went on in his silky voice. “I did this because I knew this would manipulate you into feeling guilty for nearly forgetting about me.”

Harry stared into the dark eyes, seeing the feelings of unhappiness mixed with irritation. “I’m sorry, Severus. You know I didn’t mean to disregard you these past weeks. Is there anyway I can make it up to you?”

Severus reached out and gently caressed the cheeks, feeling the beginning of stubble. He studied Harry, and he could see that his lover was really feeling guilty. As much as he knew he could be cruel, he didn’t want to ruin their holiday like this. He sighed and said, “Yes. Celebrate Christmas with me in here. I just want to be with you for the next forty-eight hours.”

A small smile came to Harry as he leaned in and planted a soft kiss on the lips. “Of course. After you all, you went through all the trouble to create this wonderful gift. Thank you, Severus.”

Severus quietly tilted Harry’s head and said, “Happy Christmas, Harry.” Without another word, he kissed Harry deeply, all resentment forgotten in the holiday spirit.

Severus’ POV

I look around, in abhorrence at the new room I have received not so long ago. I hate how the sunlight creeps through those annoying windows. The curtains, heavy and velvety, are drawn apart so the light can brighten up the room and give colour to them. I can feel the warmness from the great ball of gas and I absolutely hate it. This new atmosphere disgusts me.

I miss my cold, dark rooms down in the dungeons. I feel like a prisoner here, being punished by all this indirect cheeriness and warmth.

Alas, this isn’t for me though. This is all for my lover, Harry.

Yes, Harry Potter. The-Boy-Who-Lived. The-Boy-Who-Defeated-Lord-Voldemort. The bane of my existence, other than Neville Longbottom. The person who I acted like an ass to, to cover up my position as a spy. And lastly, the person who changed me the most, and yet hasn’t changed me at all.

I glance over to my lover, whom I fell for during his seventh year. Three years has passed since then. He finally annihilated Voldemort and ever since that time a few months ago, he has changed.

Harry is sitting in front of that damnable window, his head tilted up to look at the sky, and not once moving. Not even blinking. I grab the eyedropper, with my own concocted potion and with gentle ease, I let go of three drops for each of his eyes. Instinctively, I know that I’ll have to do this again soon.

Harry, the ever once energetic brat, has been diagnosed with Paranoid and Catatonic Schizophrenia. Curse those Muggles for thinking up such strange names for their diseases. The mediwizards say that after going through so many traumatic experiences in his life, it’s not surprising that someone like Harry would acquire this.

I scowl at the thought of Albus pushing the boy too far, letting him endanger his own life repeatedly, and letting him return to those damn Muggle relatives of his. I wish I could bring Voldemort – no, Riddle, back from the dead and murder him with my own bare hands for bringing such misery and hardship into this young man’s life ever since the age of one. Those two men, each alike and different in their own ways, ruined the boy.

As much as I hate to admit, I think Black’s death was the start of all this. Then the youngest Weasley boy got himself killed, along with Hagrid in his sixth year, which added more anxiety to his already stressed mind. Other classmates of his, either on the light or dark side, have been killed as well. He thinks he’s the cause of all these deaths. No matter how many times Granger, Lupin (who took Black’s role as godfather), and I tell him otherwise. Stubborn little bugger.

The final straw happened when he defeated Riddle. The realisation of all the people he lost and the stress of it all got to him.

The first couple weeks, he became more paranoid than Moody. When eating in the Great Hall, he’d check his food and drinks for strange curses and hexes. He’d look around nervously, even while talking with Lupin and Granger. He would cringe away when others would try to touch him.

I didn’t see this as anything unusual. After my role as a spy for both leaders of each side, I tended to be paranoid myself. Considering what Harry has gone through, I didn’t think anything else was wrong with the situation.

Later on, he’d have bouts of moments when his body and mind would freeze entirely and he would not move, not even to blink. Whether he was standing up, sitting down, or laying in bed, he became immobile.

That caught my attention and made me realise that something was not right. I begrudgingly consulted Granger and she, still an insufferable know-it-all, had suspicions that Harry might be suffering from a mental illness.

After convincing him to get a check up, Granger’s hypothesis was proven correct, as usual. Harry didn’t acknowledge this fact when he was told. He simply stared with a blank expression. He still denies ever having those diseases.

But his freezing moments have become worse and his paranoia has gotten to the point where he claims he hears voices around him. He says Riddle is still alive and that Ron has never died.

That was the turning point for me. Before I hadn’t been able to accept his diagnosis. But after seeing Harry’s brilliant mind becoming torn, I decided to push the matter myself.

Sometimes I ask myself why he has to be so persevering and in denial of his ailments. There are some days when he’s easy to handle, and others where I practically force the medicine and potions down his throat. Yet, the remedies are taking forever to work. This fact frustrates me. I know that schizophrenia isn’t curable, but still seeing how much Harry has to take when it comes to medications, I sometimes ask, is it worth it?

Knowing that Harry is going through all this mental pain upsets me. I tell myself that at least he isn’t a true vegetable like Longbottom’s parents. His Gryffindor courage is keeping him from digressing further, despite his occasional denial. Whenever he comes back from his catatonic or paranoid moments, I see so many emotions in his face. I see disgust, probably at himself, frustration over not being able to control his brain, and wonderment at the fact that I am still here instead of leaving him.

Silly boy. I might not be as fiercely loyal as those brainless Hufflepuffs, but he’s my lover. I know that Harry’s ailments aren’t a trivial matter, but I am not about abandon him to Gryffindor’s care, and this gives me an excuse to research into making my own potions for schizophrenic patients.

But other than the time he’s sane, I love him the most when he comes back to me from the periods of his inner attacks. The fact that one day, he’ll get lost in himself, wholly, frightens me.

Since when did I allow him, Harry Potter, to wrap around his little finger on me? These new feelings, love being one of them, have changed me. I am still the snarky, sarcastic bastard, but inside, I feel love and hope for him. Sometimes I do want to just let everything go back the way it was. These feelings are so foreign, yet they fill me completely. Knowing that I’d do anything for the bloody, but loving, prat, puts me at ease.

And that brings me back to the subject of the rooms. I left my dungeons for Harry. He hadn’t moved in before, but we were thinking about it. I figure that if the sun is in the room and adds colour, it is a healthier environment for him. Reluctantly, I talk to Albus about the matter, and it’s settled.

I do notice the change in him. He seems more content with the sun, the heat. He did always like to go outside by himself to just stare up at the skies and feel the crisp breeze and let himself be washed away by the rays. So the rooms do have a positive effect and I tell myself that being in this room isn’t all for nothing after all.

Anything is worth seeing Harry content. Such sacrifices must be made. But I really hope I find a cure or a potion that keep his mind rational for longer periods of time. It’s not bloody likely, but for the first time in years, I feel hope. All thanks to the boy who made my life previously miserable and now is the pillar of everything.

Outside, in the snow covered landscape near the lake, stood a single figure. Snow was gently falling around him and he wore a pensive expression. He lifted his head up so he could feel the snow on his face and sighed. Fortunately, the weather wasn’t all that cold. Chilly yes, but freezing? Never. Not when he had so much to think about, and each thought brought him such happiness and warmth.

It’s been almost a year since we became lovers. I, myself, can hardly believe it. Who would have thought this would turn out like this? I still remember the first day we met. I thought he was the one who caused the pain in my scar, but alas, I was wrong. Nevertheless, I despised him and made a vow to stay far away from him. He did the same or so he tried, but fate just had other plans for us. He chuckled.

I remember how we were paired up many times during the war. Ironically, each time we were together, we were the ones fighting. However as time went on, I came to respect him. I’m thankful that the war ended just when I was ready to leave Hogwarts, at the end of my seventh year. The war was tough on everyone. We’ve lost many wizards and witches who were on our side. Nevertheless, life still went on.

Yes. Life did go on. It was tough on all of us. The pain was all heavy in our hearts. Yet as time passed, it grew dimmer and dimmer. Each of us found new ways to be happy, and my lover and I definitely found our joy.

As he was gazing at his surroundings, he sighed contentedly. Regardless of how familiar it was, it felt magical to him. The wind softly blew around him and even though little bits of snow were getting on him, he didn’t mind. Right now he could care less if a volcano were to erupt right from under him.

It was two years later when I saw him again. He hadn’t changed at all. I had returned to Hogwarts to teach Muggle Studies, and seeing him turned my world upside down. I didn’t know what I was feeling then, but then I realised that the emotion was love. At first it scared me deeply. I thought I was deluded so I tried denying it to myself. That just made me felt worse.

Yet, he was the one who gave me courage and hope to approach him. There were times when I felt his eyes on me. At first, I told myself that I was just being paranoid. However during dinner one night last year, I caught him staring at me, and I knew then he felt the same way as I did. Call me crazy, but I saw so many emotions in his eyes in a short period of time. I was only able to distinguish three emotions and they were love, hope, and lastly fear. Yes, fear. Strange for someone who’s been leading a double life since he was a teenager. But I understood.

Not everyone supported our relationship. Sirius nearly blew up Hogsmeade when he found out. Hermione and Ron were aghast. They couldn’t believe I snogged, shagged, and of course loved the “slimy git”. The entire Weasley clan, minus the twins and Ginny, were disgusted. The twins just found it hilarious. Ginny, who’s quite fond of potion, got to know our professor and found out that there was a lot more to him than that arrogant façade. She greatly supported us and I am thankful of that. Same thing with Remus. If it weren’t for him, Sirius would have killed Severus by now and I’d have to kill Sirius to revenge my lover. Fortunately for all of us, that didn’t happen.

Yes. Call me a hypocrite. I thought he was a cold bastard, but he wasn’t. Deep inside lives a cunning and sensitive man. His sarcasm will knock down anyone, but that’s one thing I’ve come to love about him. I don’t care about the fact that he went to school with my father and mother. Age shouldn’t be associated with love. People claim that he is ugly. Well not to me. I see a handsome and sexy man in front of me. I don’t give a damn about what everyone says. He’s my Severus. My sexy Sev.

Harry’s train of thoughts were suddenly interrupted by soft footsteps behind him. He smiled gently as a pair of strong arms wrapped around him. Harry instinctively leaned into the taller man’s broad chest. Severus tightened his hold and bent his head to nuzzle in his lover’s dishevelled hair.

“Aren’t you cold?” he huskily asked.

Harry shook his head. “Sev, I am never cold when I think of you.”

Severus turned the Gryffindor around till they were facing each other. “You stayed out here for the last thirty minutes thinking about me? You must be mad.”

Harry grinned. “Well, I’ve been called mad a thousand times, so one more time makes no difference.”

“Insolence will not be tolerated, Mr. Potter,” Snape deadpanned.

“I cannot wait for my punishment.”

“So what exactly were you thinking?” He started to kiss Harry’s cheek.

“I was just contemplating our relationship.”

“My my, so my foolish Gryffindor does know how to think after all.”

“Of course, Severus. I do have a brain after all.” With that said, Harry kissed him. “Happy Christmas, love.”

Sirius Black was ecstatic. Today was Christmas Eve and it was his and Remus’ anniversary. It was their first Christmas Eve after the defeat of Lord. Voldemort. And he insanely decided that he wanted to bake a cake. Never mind the fact he had never cooked in his entire life, but he wanted to try and make the best cake for his lover. Harry decided to help out by dragging Remus out of the house for the whole day. Hermione helped out by giving him cookbooks and getting the ingredients for him. Now, Sirius had the whole flat to himself and he planned to bake the World’s Yummiest Chocolate Cake for his lover.

Sirius looked through the cookbook and read it out loud. “Preheat the oven, crack three eggs, pour flour, tut, tut.” Sirius tutted. “This looks so easy. And Snape had the bloody nerve to accuse me of not being able to cook. We’ll see about that!” A week before, another infamous Black/Snape war had broken out and one reason or another, they got into a dispute on who could cook better or what not. Severus Snape, who could actually cook like a gourmet chef, knew that Sirius had never cooked in his life. Sirius, being Sirius, didn’t want Snape to have the last word, so he denied everything and claimed he could at least bake a cake. That was the reason why Sirius was now standing in his kitchen, looking rather confused by some of the cooking terminology.

“What the bloody hell does it mean to ‘shift’ the damn flour?” Sirius dumped out the content of flour into the bowl. “Shift? These Muggles come up with some weird stuff . . . ”

“Well that looks shifted enough for me, now onto the other stuff.” The next few minutes were full of silent as Sirius measured out the baking powder, salt, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla.

“Crisco shortening eh?” Sirius measured out the shortening and then put it into the bowl. He then tried to mix them up. “For Godric’s sake! How am I supposed to mix this when this shortening thing is a huge lump? It certainly isn’t getting any softer . . . ”

After thirty minutes, Sirius figured out that he had to soften it up in the microwave. Then he took him another good ten minutes to figure out how the microwave worked. “Arthur Weasley is a brainless git for thinking that Muggles’ objects are fascinating,” Sirius grumbled. Once he figured out how to work the microwave, he put the cup of shortening in there and waited. When it was done 3 minutes later, the shortening was burnt to crisp. Out of frustration, he kicked the counter and got a sore foot. “Bloody hell!”

After he realised that he was supposed to soften the shortening up for less than a minute, he started all over again. After mixing up the ingredients together, he poured them into the pan as the cookbook directed. He then popped it in the oven and decided to go outside and work on his motorbike till the cake was done.

2 hours later . . .

“Blast it! Remind me to make a mental note to myself to never work on my motorbike when I am cooking!” Sirius dejectedly pouted at the cake that was all burnt and crispy. Sirius sighed and looked at the clock. “Man and I only got 3 more hours to bake this bloody thing.” He looked around the kitchen. “Oh man, Moony is going to kill me when he sees the kitchen in this state.”

“BBRRRING!” Sirius jumped at the sound of the phone ringing. “Why did we ever decide to get a phone?” He ran to the living room and answered it. “Hello?”

“So, Black. How’s the cake coming along?” Snape’s usual sneer was heard through the phone.

Sirius groaned. “What do you want Snape. I am busy baking right now!”

“Just calling to see if you burn the flat down yet. Apparently you haven’t since you are still alive and kicking.”

“Yes. Sorry to disappoint you.” Sirius scowled at the wall. “How in Merlin’s world did you know I was baking a cake?”

“Your precious Godson told me. He figured that you might need a little help, so he asked me to check up on you.”

“Harry did that? Remind me to kill the little bugger!” Sirius felt betrayed.

Snape rolled his eyes on the other side. “Oh, quit being so melodramatic. I know you want to bake the cake yourself, so I’ll just come over there and give you a little guidance.”

Sirius’ shoulders fell in defeat. “Fine!” he growled. “But be civil!”

“You too.” With that, Severus hung up.

Few minutes later, Severus appeared in the middle of the kitchen with a loud “Pop”. He looked around disgustedly. There were pots and pans everywhere and smell of burnt bakery was in the air. “No wonder you never did too well in Potions.”

Sirius glared. “Shut up and do what you came here to do!”

With a bored expression, Severus looked through the recipe. “For Salazar’s sake. This is the easiest recipe for chocolate cake out there and you can’t even make this?”

“Just shut up and tell me what to do!”

The Slytherin sighed and started to guide the Gryffindor step by step. As Sirius started everything again, he gradually understood what went wrong. An hour later, the cake was done and all that was left to do was to frost it.

“I don’t think I need to guide you through this, do I?” Severus drawled.

Sirius concentrated on getting the frosting on the cake and didn’t say anything to the other man. Thirty minutes later, the cake was all done. Sirius proudly looked at it. It was a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting on it. On the top it had a picture of a dog and a werewolf and the words ‘Happy Anniversary, Moony!’ were written on it in vanilla frosting.

“Wonderful accomplishment, Black. Now let’s clean up.” Both Severus and Sirius cleaned with their wand and that was a breezy clean up.

Sirius was about to go upstairs and change when the front door opened. Harry, Remus, Hermione, and Ron all came in laughing. Remus sniffed the air and realised that someone has been cooking. He sniffed again and felt overwhelmed by the smell of chocolate. He walked into the kitchen and saw Sirius looking very messy. His clothes were rumpled up and he had a little bit of frosting on his face. He then looked at the countertop and saw the cake.

With a surprised expression, he looked at the cake and back to Sirius. He put two and two together and realised that Sirius went through all the trouble to bake this. He tried to talk, but his throat refused to cooperate. “Paddy . . .  the cake . . . you . . . for us . . . ?”

Sirius nodded happily. “For our anniversary, love. I know it’s not much, but I know you love chocolate and I figured I’d have to learn how to make something sooner or later . . . ”

He never got to finish the sentence as Remus launched himself onto his mate and kissed him passionately. Harry grinned like an idiot. Ron and Hermione both smiled politely. Severus just looked bored. Sirius didn’t care about that and kissed Moony back.

After a few minutes of intense snogging, they both broke apart. “Paddy, this is the best present I could ever receive from you. Thank you so much.”

Sirius stared into the intense eyes. “Anything for you love. Anything.”

Ron stared at the cake hungrily. “Let’s eat this now? I’m so starving!”

Everyone laughed and Sirius got out the plates and forks for the cake. Ten minutes later, the cake was no more and everyone was satisfied.

“Happy Christmas, everyone,” said Remus

“Yes. I agree. And I am glad to see that the cake didn’t poison anyone!” Sirius laughed gaily.

“Yes. I admit you did well, Black,” Snape grudgingly admitted.

Harry learned and kissed his lover on the cheek. “There. Giving him a compliment wasn’t so hard now, was it?”

Severus glared him and Harry just glared back. Everyone around them laughed and the gaiety just went on.

Harry plopped on the ground, and he ignored the biting coldness from the snow. He lay down on his back and started to move his arms and legs.

“Harry, do I want to know what you are doing?” Snape loomed over him with his arms folded across his chest.

With a merry laugh, Harry answered, “Making snow angels, love.”

“Why are you doing such thing?”

Standing up, Harry brushed himself of the few remaining flakes and looked into his lover’s eyes. “Really, Sev. You need to loosen up.” With that, Harry shoved Snape over, and he laughed as a disgruntled Severus glared at him.

“Come on. Try? Please? For me?”

Severus rolled his eyes and proceeded to make a snow angel. Afterward he asked, “Satisfied now?”

“Yes.” Harry lowered himself to the taller man, savouring his warmth. “You are my angel, and I feel like I am in heaven now.”

Whenever it’s the holiday season, Severus feels an overwhelming urge to punch somebody. December is his least favourite month since it’s way too bubbly, and he hates how his house colours are mixed in with the Gryffindork’s. However, for as long as he live, he will never, ever, like the bloody Christmas music that screeches around him wherever he goes.

He also cannot stand when his lover, Harry Potter, starts singing that infernal cacophony called music.

Especially “Silent Night”.

“Must you sing that awful song over and over again?!”

Harry gives him a pout. “But it’s my favourite. I can’t help it!”

“It’s bad enough that you sing these songs, but must you sing the song that mongrel likes so much and practically ruins it with his insufferable howling?!”

When he sees that scheming look on Harry’s face, he senses trouble. He watches as Harry nears him, and he automatically backs into the wall. With Harry trapping him, he has no choice but to look up into the jade-colour eyes.

He takes a deep breath when he feels Harry’s mouth against his ear. Those sinful lips whispers, “Then how about you help me sing an entirely different tune? You’re the clever Slytherin. I’m sure you know of a great way to do that.”

Just in time, he suppresses a whimper. He grabs the back of Harry’s head and crushes their lips together. He hears moans and groans from his lover, embarrass that some of the noises come from himself. He quickly breaks the kiss and gives Harry a lust-filled look. In his silkiest voice, he says, “I’m up for the challenge. Bedroom. Now!”

Harry walked up to Severus’ desk who at the moment was grading papers. “Sev?”

“What is it, Harry?” Severus asked without looking up.

With a content sigh, Harry leaned back against the desk and crossed his arms. As he looked upward he said, “Oh nothing. Just thinking that it’s gonna be a rather cocky year.”

The way Harry said the word “cocky” made Severus think of something else. “What makes you say that?”

“Well, one of Hermione’s Muggle friend introduced her to the Asian culture. From there, Hermione got really interested in the Lunar Calendar.”

Severus looked up and glared. “What’s your point?”

“Well, each year is represented by an animal. And this is the year of the rooster.” Harry went around the desk and bent over to nibble on Severus’ ear.

“Harry . . . ” Severus fought back a moan, and dropped his pen.

“Hence the reason why I said it’s gonna be a cocky year.” Harry gently made Severus stand up, and kissed him. Severus kissed back without any complaint.

Severus’ POV

I’ve opened up to you and where does it lead me? To an endless amount of foolish love games that will never end. You have shoved me back into my little hole and succeeded very well in doing so. I hope you are satisfied. You and the others are all the same, never changing, and always single-mindedly cruel.

I knew I was a bad person and I still can be, but must I deserve this treatment repeatedly? What is it you want? What is it that you think you can gain from this? Love? Respect from the ones who dared you to do this? If it wasn’t a dare, then was it just so you could gleefully cause me to look like an idiot once and for all? I don’t care what you were expecting out of this little escapade, but what happened was not what I was expecting at all.

It started innocently enough. You, a twenty-one year old wizard, expressed interest in me through owl correspondences. At first I thought you were disillusioned and burned each parchment you sent. I thought to myself, who’d want a greasy, snarky, bastard like me? Such a low self-esteem, I know, but that’s what I believed.

Then you started talking to me in person and gave hand gestures that made me wonder about this strange predicament once again. You seemed so sincere. From what I knew about you, you didn’t seem like the untruthful type. Granted you were a spoiled brat when you first came into the wizarding world, but I thought that you had matured and became truly a special man.

Within one parchment that gave me more clues than anything else, you had filled out a survey you had gotten from Witches’ Weekly about me. Each answer you gave me sounded as if you really were interested in me as a lover. I forced myself not to believe it and decided that you were just attempting to toy with my brain.

I should have known better.

Finally, I decided to make the first move and confronted you. I still don’t know how or what gave me the Gryffindor-stupidity-courage to do so, but I did and now regret doing so. Maybe I wasn’t demanding enough; I’ve learned that through situations like this, one needs to be demanding in order to get an answer out of the person in question. After beating around the bush and getting noncommittal answers, I just bluntly asked whether you wanted us to be lovers or not. You finally said that it was all a joke.

Pretty fucking bad joke. I walked away. I wanted to hex you. I wanted to throttle you . . . but what good would that do? You had already seen me at my weakest point. I wanted to do all the nasty things I’d learned as a Death Eater. In the end I was left with the start realisation that I was just a plain, naïve idiot to fall for such an obvious prank.

So congratulations Potter. Not only have you succeeded in making me realise that you are still the same prat I’ve known since you were eleven years old, but you’ve also made me realise how stupid I can be. You are very good with amorous deception. I hate you so much for it . . . and now I hate myself for falling for that old trick.